02

The morning sun filtered through the ornate windows of my room, its warm glow falling over the delicate fabrics and decor that surrounded me. But none of it could calm the racing of my heart. Today was the day of the Sakura Blooming Festival, and no matter what obstacles stood in my way, I had to go.

I sat by the vanity, staring at my reflection. The golden pins in my hair shimmered in the light, but all I could see was the determination burning in my eyes. Father and Mother would be attending royal matters shortly, leaving me a small window of opportunity to act.

"I can't let the guards see me," I whispered to myself. They were stationed everywhere, always vigilant, always watching. Kazuki would surely try to stop me if he noticed anything unusual. He meant well, but he didn't understand—no one did.

Slipping into a simple cloak that concealed the fine embroidery of my dress, I secured the hood over my head. It was plain, unassuming—perfect for slipping out unnoticed. I took a deep breath and quietly opened the door to my room.

The corridors were alive with the hustle of servants and guards, everyone preparing for the day. I kept my head down, clutching the edges of my cloak tightly as I walked with purpose. Confidence was key—hesitation would draw attention.

When I reached the servants' entrance at the far end of the castle, I hesitated, peeking out to see if anyone was near. The path seemed clear, but my heart pounded harder as I stepped outside, the cool morning air hitting my face.

Keeping close to the walls, I navigated the outer edges of the castle grounds, using the shadows to my advantage. My breath hitched every time I heard the distant sound of a guard's footsteps, but I pressed on, my resolve stronger than my fear.

Finally, I reached the small gate that led to the forest path beyond the castle grounds. It was rarely used and often overlooked—a detail I was counting on. I slipped through the gate, the sound of it closing behind me a soft relief.

As I stepped onto the path leading to Arashihara, the canopy of sakura trees above swayed gently in the breeze, their petals drifting down like snow. I paused for a moment, taking in the beauty of it all, and felt a small smile tug at my lips.

I'm coming, Arashihara.

For the first time in my life, I felt a thrill of freedom. Little did I know, this journey would change everything.

The path to Arashihara was serene, the morning sun casting dappled light through the canopy of sakura trees. The air was crisp, carrying the delicate scent of cherry blossoms, a fragrance that seemed to soothe my anxious heart. Each step felt surreal, as if I were walking through a dream I had long yearned to realize.

As I approached the outskirts of Arashihara, the distant hum of festival activities reached my ears—laughter, music, and the murmur of countless conversations. The path widened, leading me to a hill that overlooked the city. From this vantage point, I could see the entirety of Arashihara adorned in pink and white blossoms, the streets teeming with life and celebration.

A sense of awe washed over me. The Sakura Blooming Festival was more magnificent than I had ever imagined. The sight of families picnicking under the blooming trees, children chasing petals in the wind, and couples strolling hand in hand filled me with a bittersweet longing.

But amidst the beauty, I couldn't forget my purpose. I pulled the hood of my cloak lower, ensuring my face remained hidden. Entering the city undetected would be challenging, but I was determined.

Taking a deep breath, I descended the hill, merging into the throng of festival-goers. The city's energy was infectious, and for a moment, I allowed myself to be swept up in the festivities. Stalls lined the streets, offering delectable treats and intricate trinkets. Street performers captivated audiences with their talents, and the air was filled with the melodies of traditional instruments.

Yet, I remained vigilant. Every time I spotted a guard or someone who might recognize me, I would duck into the nearest crowd or stall, my heart racing until the danger passed.

As I navigated the bustling streets, I couldn't help but wonder about the royal family of Arashihara. Would they be attending the festival? Would I catch a glimpse of the seven princes I had heard so much about? The thought both excited and terrified me.

Lost in these musings, I nearly collided with a group of children chasing after a particularly large cluster of falling petals. Their laughter was infectious, and I found myself smiling beneath my hood.

But time was of the essence. I needed to find a place to stay low, to observe and gather information. Spotting a quiet teahouse nestled between two larger buildings, I made my way inside, hoping to find a corner where I could sit unnoticed.

The interior was cozy, with the gentle aroma of brewing tea filling the air. I chose a seat near the back, my cloak still drawn close. As I sipped the warm beverage placed before me, I allowed myself a moment of respite.

*This is it,* I thought. *I'm here.*

But deep down, I knew this was only the beginning. The true challenge lay ahead, and I needed to be prepared for whatever awaited me in Arashihara.

As I maneuvered through the crowded streets, the chatter of the festival buzzed around me like an endless symphony. My cloak shielded me from curious eyes, or so I hoped, but my heart nearly stopped when I overheard a conversation nearby.

"Have you heard? The princess of Kagayaku is here," a vendor said excitedly to a customer browsing his wares.

I stiffened, my feet hesitating mid-step.

"Really?" the customer replied, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Why would she come here, of all places?"

The vendor leaned in conspiratorially. "I heard she sent a letter to Emperor Daiken, saying she was coming. Can you imagine? The nerve of her, crossing into our kingdom like this."

"Do you think the Emperor will let her attend the festival?" the customer asked, her voice now a whisper.

The vendor shrugged. "Who knows? But if she's here, it can only mean trouble. The Kagayaku royals aren't exactly known for their friendliness toward us."

I quickly turned into a side street, my mind reeling. *How could they know about the letter? Did someone from Kagayaku betray me, or did Arashihara's guards intercept it?*

The festive atmosphere felt suddenly suffocating, the laughter and music clashing with the tension building inside me. If word about my presence was spreading this fast, it was only a matter of time before Emperor Daiken—or worse, his sons—found out. Of course, they would find out. Emperor Daiken wouldn't keep such news to himself; he would undoubtedly talk about it with his sons.

The thought made my stomach churn. The seven princes of Arashihara were known for their intelligence and vigilance. If any of them were already aware of my arrival, it wouldn't take long for them to track me down.

*What have I gotten myself into?*

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. I couldn't let fear distract me now. I had to be smarter, faster, and more cautious if I wanted to avoid being discovered before I accomplished what I came here for. Adjusting my hood once more, I slipped deeper into the crowd, keeping my head low and my steps purposeful.

*They might know I'm here, but they won't find me. Not yet.*

Meanwhile, outside the grand castle of Arashihara, the seven princes moved through the lively streets, their sharp eyes scanning the bustling crowd. The vibrant festival atmosphere did little to ease the tension in their mission.

"Have you seen her yet?" Satoru, the eldest prince, asked one of the guards stationed near the main thoroughfare. His voice was calm but firm, carrying the weight of authority.

The guard shook his head. "No sign of her yet, Your Highness. We've been monitoring the crowds closely."

Daichi, standing next to his older brother, crossed his arms and furrowed his brow. "If she's truly here, she'll be keeping a low profile. A Kagayaku princess wouldn't risk openly wandering the streets."

"Unless she's more daring than we give her credit for," Isamu added, a small smirk playing on his lips.

"Either way, we can't underestimate her," Kazu chimed in, his tone measured. "If she managed to slip into our kingdom unnoticed, she's more resourceful than we expected."

Haru, leaning casually against a nearby post, sighed. "She's probably watching us from somewhere, laughing at how seriously we're taking this."

"Focus," Yuji said sharply, his keen eyes darting over the sea of festival-goers. "Father expects us to handle this discreetly, and we can't afford any slip-ups."

Ryuu, the youngest, stood a little apart from his brothers, scanning the crowd with a quiet intensity. "If she's here for the festival, she'll gravitate toward the main attractions. We should split up and cover more ground."

Satoru nodded in agreement, his expression resolute. "Good idea, Ryuu. Stay alert and report back if you see anything suspicious. Remember, we're not here to make a scene."

With that, the princes dispersed, each weaving through the lively festival with purpose, their senses heightened. Somewhere in the crowd, Princess Hana was waiting to be found—but which prince would cross her path first?

As the princes spread out across the festival grounds, the atmosphere of celebration was laced with an undercurrent of tension. Each prince moved with purpose, blending into the crowd yet keeping their eyes sharp for any signs of the elusive Princess Hana.

Satoru moved toward the grand pavilion where musicians played enchanting melodies. His commanding presence turned heads, but he paid no attention, his focus solely on scanning the gathering crowd.

Daichi meandered through the food stalls, his keen eyes observing anyone who seemed out of place. He paused by a vendor selling dango, pretending to browse while listening to snippets of conversations.

Isamu, ever the strategist, chose the quieter pathways near the riverbank, believing someone trying to avoid detection would naturally gravitate toward less populated areas.

Kazu stationed himself near the festival's central square, where the Sakura Blooming ceremony would soon begin. "If she wants to see the festival, this is where she'll end up," he muttered to himself, positioning himself for the best vantage point.

Haru, curious yet relaxed, explored the artisan booths displaying intricate crafts and silk kimonos. His easy demeanor hid his sharp observation skills as he casually questioned a few vendors.

Yuji focused on the security perimeters, discreetly coordinating with guards to tighten the search without alarming the citizens. He knew if Princess Hana had indeed entered Arashihara, she'd already be the subject of gossip—and he intended to use that to his advantage.

Ryuu, the youngest but no less determined, walked along the cherry blossom paths, his gaze lingering on groups of cloaked figures or anyone standing apart from the crowd. Unlike his brothers, he was drawn more by instinct than strategy.

Unbeknownst to them, Hana was already blending seamlessly into the crowd, her hood pulled tightly over her head as she marveled at the sights of the festival. Her heart raced with excitement and fear as she moved through the streets, careful to avoid lingering too long in one place.

She stopped by a stall selling paper lanterns, her eyes lighting up at the delicate designs. For a moment, she forgot her situation and reached out to touch one, only to hear a calm yet familiar voice behind her.

"Enjoying the festival?"

Her heart leaped into her throat as she turned, her eyes meeting one of the princes. Which one, she wasn't sure—his face was partially hidden by the shadow of his own hood.

But the faint smirk tugging at his lips sent a chill down her spine. He knew.

Hana's breath caught in her throat, and for a split second, everything around her seemed to freeze. The prince in front of her was wearing a hood similar to hers, but there was no mistaking the piercing gaze that seemed to see straight through her. The air around them felt charged, the festival's lively sounds now distant as her pulse raced.

She took a cautious step back, her fingers twitching at the hem of her cloak. "I—" She stumbled over her words, but then quickly regained composure, adding, "I'm just admiring the lanterns."

The prince's smirk deepened, and he took a small step closer, not quite blocking her path but making it clear that he was watching her every move. "Admiring the lanterns, are you?" His voice was smooth, calm, as if he had all the time in the world.

For a heartbeat, she wondered if he truly knew who she was, but the way he spoke—like a gentle probing, rather than an accusation—made her doubt. Was he just guessing?

"I think they're beautiful," she managed to say, her gaze dropping to the lantern in front of her.

"I agree," the prince said, his tone almost playful, though there was an edge to it. "But you know, it's not often we get a visitor from Kagayaku in our midst, let alone one with such... curiosity."

Her heart raced faster at his words. He knew. But how? She'd been careful—hadn't she?

Before she could respond, he continued. "I've heard the princess of Kagayaku might be in attendance today. I wonder, if you're here, what your intentions might be."

Hana swallowed, her thoughts scrambling. *How does he know? Did someone tell him? Or is he just guessing?*

"I... I don't know what you mean," she said, trying to sound nonchalant. But her voice wavered, betraying her.

The prince's eyes twinkled with amusement, but there was something dangerous in them. "I think you do. But if you're not here for trouble, perhaps we can keep this between us. After all, the festival should be about joy, not suspicion."

Hana felt her breath hitch. *He's toying with me...*

"I—I'm just here to see the festival," she said, her voice firmer now. "I'm not here to cause any harm."

The prince studied her for a long moment, his gaze intense yet unreadable. Then, slowly, he nodded. "Very well," he said, his tone lightening a fraction. "Enjoy the festival. But I'd advise you to stay out of the public eye for the time being. It would be a shame if your presence became... known."

Before she could react, he turned away, his cloak swirling behind him as he blended back into the crowd, disappearing as quickly as he had appeared.

Hana stood there, her hands trembling slightly as she tried to steady her racing heart. *That was too close.*

Her mind raced with possibilities. *Who was that?* She glanced around, but the crowd was thick, and there was no sign of the prince now. Had he recognized her? Or was he simply playing a game?

Shaken but determined, Hana took a deep breath and continued walking, her eyes darting from side to side as she searched for a safe place to observe the festival from afar. Her time in Arashihara was limited, and she needed to find a way to enjoy it without being discovered.

But as she moved deeper into the heart of the festival, she couldn't shake the feeling that the prince's eyes were still on her, watching from somewhere just beyond the crowd.

After parting ways with Princess Hana, the prince stood still for a moment, watching her retreat into the crowd. A sense of satisfaction lingered in him—he had found her, though her presence had yet to be fully revealed. He wasn't sure how much of a threat she posed, but he wasn't going to let her slip away without keeping an eye on her.

Reaching into the folds of his cloak, he subtly signaled to one of the guards stationed nearby. The guard approached quickly, bowing respectfully.

"Your Highness?" the guard asked, waiting for instructions.

"Tell my brothers," the prince said quietly, his eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of the princess. "I've found her. But for now, let her be."

The guard nodded, already understanding the prince's intentions. "Understood, Your Highness."

With that, the prince watched as the guard moved swiftly through the crowd, disappearing toward the nearby alleyways where his brothers would be stationed. As the minutes passed, he remained vigilant, ensuring Princess Hana's movements were not too conspicuous.

In truth, he wasn't sure what he was expecting from this encounter. *Was she here on a mission of diplomacy? Or something else entirely?* He knew his father wouldn't tolerate any risks, especially from a princess who had grown up under a kingdom's strict traditions. Still, he couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity—this princess, so full of hidden intentions, was beginning to fascinate him.

For now, he would allow her a bit of freedom. She was, after all, a guest at the festival—even if her presence was a secret. But that didn't mean he wouldn't be watching, as carefully as any predator tracking its prey.

The seven princes gathered at their predetermined locations across the festival grounds. It didn't take long for the guard to return, making his way swiftly through the crowd to where Satoru stood near the lantern stall. As soon as he reached the prince, he bowed low, his expression serious.

"Your Highness," the guard said, "I've delivered the message to your brothers. They're aware of the princess's presence. It's as you suspected—Princess Hana is here."

Satoru nodded, his gaze scanning the bustling streets around them. His eyes lingered on the lanterns that swayed in the gentle breeze, but his mind was elsewhere, focused on the task at hand.

"I've seen her," he muttered under his breath, his voice low but firm. "She's blending in with the crowd. She's trying to stay hidden, but it won't work for long. Keep an eye on her, but don't approach just yet."

The guard nodded, then left to return to the other princes, who were now preparing to converge on the lantern stall.

Soon, Daichi arrived, moving swiftly through the crowd. His eyes locked onto Satoru's as he approached. "You found her, then?" he asked, his voice edged with curiosity.

Satoru gave a small nod. "Yes, but she's not here for trouble, at least not that I can tell. However, we cannot let her wander unnoticed."

As the other princes arrived one by one, Satoru looked to his brothers, his expression serious.

"Is everyone in position?" he asked. The brothers nodded, each knowing their role and their place within the plan.

"I'll stay here," Satoru said, his voice steady. "Daichi, Kazu, Yuji—take the eastern perimeter and keep an eye on the main square. Isamu, Haru, Ryuu—cover the western exits. We'll maintain our positions and be ready to intervene if necessary."

His brothers split into their respective groups, moving with purpose. Satoru, however, stayed by the lantern stall. He couldn't shake the feeling that something important was unfolding, something deeper than just a simple festival.

The stall was crowded, people admiring the delicate lanterns, but Satoru's focus never wavered from the spot where he had last seen Princess Hana. She was still somewhere in the crowd, and he knew that it would only be a matter of time before their paths crossed again.

Then, from across the crowded street, a familiar figure emerged—Princess Hana, walking slowly, her hooded cloak still drawn tightly around her. She seemed unaware of the surveillance now in place, lost in the sights and sounds of the festival.

Satoru's eyes narrowed. *She's getting too close to the heart of the festival.*

He didn't move, instead signaling to his brothers stationed in the area, his mind racing. There was no way she could go unnoticed for long—not with the way things were unfolding.

But there was something about her quiet resolve, something about the way she tried so hard to stay hidden, that stirred a strange curiosity in him. *Why is she really here?*

His thoughts were interrupted when Kazu approached, his face calm but alert. "What's the plan?" he asked, glancing at the princess in the distance.

"Let's keep it quiet for now," Satoru replied, his eyes still on Hana. "We observe her. We don't make a move unless necessary."

"Understood," Kazu said, nodding before he slipped into the crowd once more.

As Satoru watched the princess, his heart beat a little faster. *Something about this doesn't sit right,* he thought, narrowing his eyes. *She's hiding something. I'll make sure we find out what.*

The tension in the air seemed to increase with every passing moment. The stage was set, and it was only a matter of time before the truth came to light.

Princess Hana's heart raced as she felt a growing unease. The way the prince had locked eyes with her, the way he had moved through the crowd—it was as if he already knew she was there. She had spent so much time making sure she blended in, but it was becoming clear that her presence hadn't gone unnoticed.

Shoot, they're onto me, she muttered under her breath, slipping into an alleyway to catch her breath. Her cloak was drawn tightly around her, but the weight of the stares, the sudden awareness that she was being watched, made her feel exposed.

Who was that prince, anyway? she wondered, her mind racing. She hadn't seen his face clearly, but his gaze had been sharp, calculating. He seemed to know exactly what he was doing, moving through the festival with the grace and confidence of someone used to being in control. Was he one of Emperor Daiken's sons? The way he carried himself made her think so.

But which one? Satoru? Daichi? She had only heard rumors about the princes—stories of their skills, their accomplishments—but she never thought she would be face-to-face with one of them. The fact that he seemed so focused on her... it was unnerving.

Taking a deep breath, Hana composed herself. She couldn't afford to panic now. She needed to act like nothing was wrong, to blend into the festival just a little longer. The princes were certainly watching, but she couldn't let them corner her.

I have to find a way out, she thought, glancing over her shoulder to make sure no one was following her. I'll figure out who that prince is later. For now, I have to stay one step ahead.

With determination, she adjusted her cloak and slipped deeper into the maze of festival stalls, hoping to remain hidden in the bustling crowd. She had come here for a reason, and she wasn't about to let anything—or anyone—stand in her way.

Hana's footsteps quickened as she maneuvered through the labyrinth of stalls and people. The vibrant colors of the festival—the pinks of the lanterns, the reds and golds of the decorations—blurred around her as she focused on keeping her movements as inconspicuous as possible. She couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her, and every glance over her shoulder made her heart race faster.

*I just need to get to the edge of the festival. I'll find a way back to the castle,* she thought, trying to reassure herself. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she kept her pace steady, refusing to show any sign of panic.

She moved toward a quieter part of the festival, a path lined with cherry blossom trees, their petals falling gently in the breeze. The sound of laughter and music from the main square grew fainter here, and she allowed herself to breathe a little easier.

As she passed under the shade of the trees, Hana's mind raced. *Who was that prince?* There was no mistaking the intensity in his gaze. He wasn't just watching her; he was waiting for something, perhaps a sign, a slip-up, anything that might reveal her true intentions. She was certain he wasn't just observing out of curiosity.

*Maybe it was Satoru,* she thought, recalling the rumors she had heard. The eldest prince, and the first in line for the throne. He was known for his sharp intellect and composure. If anyone would have noticed her so quickly, it would have been him.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching. Her breath caught in her throat, and she instinctively ducked behind one of the large lanterns, pressing herself against the rough bark of a tree. She dared not move a muscle, holding her breath as the figure drew closer.

It was him. The prince.

Hana could feel her pulse thundering in her ears as he came into view, stopping just a few paces away. His dark eyes swept the path before him, as though searching for something—or someone. She stayed as still as she could, praying he wouldn't notice her.

He stood there for a moment, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp, scanning the surroundings. Then, as if sensing something, his eyes flicked to the lantern in front of her hiding spot. Their gazes met for a brief moment, and for a heartbeat, time seemed to freeze.

*He saw me,* Hana thought, her breath catching in her throat.

But before she could react, he turned away, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. He seemed to have a quiet intensity about him, like he was always calculating his next move. He wasn't looking for her specifically, but she couldn't shake the feeling that he was aware of her presence now.

Hana exhaled slowly, her heart still racing as she waited for him to disappear into the crowd. Once he was out of sight, she allowed herself to breathe again, her body trembling from the adrenaline.

*I can't stay here for long. They'll figure out I'm trying to escape.*

With a final glance over her shoulder, Hana stepped out from behind the lantern and quickly made her way toward the festival's edge. She needed to get out of sight, away from the princes and the eyes that were surely beginning to focus on her.

But as she walked, a nagging thought lingered at the back of her mind: *Who was that prince, really?* There was something about him—something different from the rumors, something personal in the way he observed her. She didn't know whether it was curiosity, suspicion, or something else entirely. But one thing was clear: he wouldn't be the last to notice her.

The game had just begun.

Hana's steps quickened as she neared the outskirts of the festival. The weight of her decision pressed down on her like a heavy cloak, but there was no turning back now. She had to leave before they caught wind of her intentions—before the princes or their guards found her and forced her to return to the castle in disgrace.

Her heart was still racing, but her thoughts were focused now. *I need to get back to Kagayaku... but how?* She had no plan beyond sneaking away and hoping she wouldn't be caught. The castle guards were probably already searching for her, and if she didn't make it back before they did, her defiance would be discovered.

As she reached the edge of the festival, where the trees thinned and the path led to the open road, she slowed, casting one last glance at the scene behind her. The soft glow of lanterns shimmered in the distance, but all she could think about now was escaping the tension that had followed her since her arrival. She was almost there.

Suddenly, a soft rustle from behind her caught her attention. Her body tensed, and she instinctively stepped back into the shadows, heart pounding. She hadn't made it far enough.

The rustling grew louder, and before she could react, a figure emerged from the shadows of the trees.

It was him again—the prince.

This time, there was no mistaking it. He was much closer now, standing directly in her path, his tall figure barely illuminated by the soft glow of the lanterns around them. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to fall away, leaving only the two of them in a tense silence.

*I knew it...* Hana's stomach churned with uncertainty. She hadn't expected him to follow her this far, but here he was. She couldn't hide anymore. He had found her. And now, there was no escaping the inevitable confrontation.

The prince studied her for a long moment, his gaze intense but unreadable. His expression was neutral, his stance poised, as if he had all the time in the world. He didn't speak immediately, as if waiting for her to say something.

Hana, unwilling to show fear, straightened her back and tried to keep her voice steady. "What do you want?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The prince tilted his head slightly, as if considering her question. He took a step closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "I could ask you the same thing, Princess Hana," he said, his voice low but steady. "What are you doing here?"

Hana's breath hitched, but she quickly regained her composure. "I came for the festival," she said, the lie slipping easily off her tongue. "I wanted to see it for myself, something my father would never allow me to do." She could see the glint of amusement in his eyes, though he remained silent for a long moment.

Finally, the prince spoke again, his voice softer this time. "You shouldn't be here," he said. "It's too dangerous."

Hana clenched her jaw, frustration rising within her. "I can handle myself."

The prince's gaze softened just a fraction, but he didn't smile. He studied her for a long moment, as if weighing her words. Then, he stepped aside, gesturing to the path ahead. "I'll escort you back," he said, his tone now almost kind.

Hana froze. *Escort me back?*

"No," she replied firmly, taking a step back. "I don't need your help. I can leave on my own."

The prince's expression shifted slightly, as though he had expected her to protest. His eyes seemed to hold a quiet understanding, but there was something unreadable about them, something that made Hana uneasy.

"Then why did you come here?" he asked, his voice gentle but probing. "Why go to all this trouble if you don't want to be found?"

Hana looked at him, trying to keep her expression neutral. "Because I wanted to see it for myself. For once, I wanted to live outside the walls of my father's kingdom, even if it's just for a moment."

The prince nodded slowly, as though he understood, but there was a flicker of something deeper in his eyes. "I understand," he said softly, his voice carrying a note of finality. "But know this, Princess—there are others who will be looking for you, and they won't be as kind as I am."

Hana swallowed, but before she could respond, the prince turned and began to walk away, his footsteps silent in the night. He glanced over his shoulder once, meeting her gaze with an expression that was both knowing and distant.

"Be careful, Princess Hana," he said, his voice almost a whisper, before disappearing into the shadows.

Hana stood there for a moment, her heart still racing, unsure of what had just transpired. She hadn't expected him to be so... understanding, or so evasive. She had no idea what his intentions were, but one thing was clear: she couldn't keep running forever.

With a final glance at the distant glow of the festival, she took a deep breath and turned back toward the path that would lead her away from Arashihara, wondering how long it would be before she would see that prince again—and what role he would play in her life moving forward.

Hana walked away from the edge of the festival, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of what had just happened. The prince's words echoed in her head, soft yet meaningful. *"Be careful, Princess Hana."* Why had he been so cryptic? Was it a warning, or had he been trying to protect her from something she didn't understand yet?

As she moved deeper into the shadows, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was caught between two worlds. Arashihara felt so different from Kagayaku, yet in that moment, it felt like there was no escape. The excitement of the festival, the vibrant colors and the sounds of music, seemed like a distant memory now, overshadowed by the encounter she'd just had.

*What did he mean by "others who will be looking for you?"* She had no answers, but one thing was certain: the prince wasn't just a bystander in this. There was something about him—something that had drawn him to her, or perhaps it was the other way around. Either way, her simple visit to the festival had already caused a ripple that she couldn't ignore.

Her steps slowed as she found herself at the edge of a small garden, the trees casting long shadows in the dim light. She had to get back to the castle before the guards began searching for her, but she couldn't stop thinking about the prince. His presence had been unexpected—too calm, too composed for someone who should've been her enemy.

As she moved toward the garden's entrance, she spotted a familiar figure standing near the gate, a silhouette she recognized even in the dark. Kazuki.

She hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to approach him. *Had he been watching over me all this time?* she wondered. He had always been there for her, but now, things had changed. She had crossed a line she couldn't easily step back from.

Kazuki turned as he heard her footsteps, his expression softening with visible relief when he saw her.

"Princess Hana," he said, his voice gentle yet filled with concern. "I was beginning to think you'd run off without a word."

Hana smiled faintly, trying to mask the unease she felt. "I'm sorry. I needed to clear my head."

Kazuki's gaze softened, though there was a hint of worry in his eyes. "I understand, but you need to be careful. There are rumors about your presence here—people are beginning to talk."

Hana sighed, rubbing her temples. "I never wanted to cause trouble. I just wanted... something different. I wanted to see the world outside the walls of Kagayaku."

Kazuki stepped closer, his tone turning more serious. "I get it. But you're the Princess. Everything you do is noticed, and right now, it's not just the citizens of Arashihara who are paying attention. It's the Emperor's sons, too."

The mention of the princes sent a chill down Hana's spine. *Had they figured out who she was?* She glanced around nervously, though the festival sounds had quieted in the distance.

"I don't know what to do, Kazuki," she admitted softly. "I feel like I'm trapped between my duties and my desire for something more."

Kazuki's expression softened with empathy. He knew her struggles all too well, and though he couldn't fully understand the burden of being a princess, he knew what it was like to feel confined by expectations.

"You don't have to do this alone," he said gently, his voice low. "If you need help, I'm here for you. Always."

Hana met his gaze, her heart aching at his kindness. She had always trusted Kazuki, but now, with the tension surrounding her, she wasn't sure what the future held. One thing was clear, though—no matter where her journey took her, Kazuki would be there, offering her support in any way he could.

But as the night stretched on, the weight of her decisions grew heavier. The prince she had met, the mysterious figure who had found her in the festival, was still on her mind. *What was his true intention? Was he trying to protect her, or was there something more to him?*

Before she could voice another concern, Kazuki's gaze shifted, his eyes narrowing slightly as if sensing something. Hana followed his line of sight, and her heart sank.

A figure stood in the distance, emerging from the shadows of the trees. *Not again...*

It was the same prince. The one who had been watching her from the festival earlier.

This time, there was no escaping him. Hana felt Kazuki tense beside her, and though she wanted to speak, words failed her. The prince was getting closer, his steps sure and steady.

Kazuki stood protectively in front of her, his hand subtly reaching for his sword. "Stay back, Princess," he whispered under his breath.

Hana's heart skipped a beat as the prince came into view, his expression unreadable as ever. He had been following her, just as Kazuki had feared. But this time, there was no ambiguity in his actions. He was closing in on her, and she couldn't outrun the inevitable any longer.

"Princess Hana," the prince spoke her name, his voice calm yet firm. "You cannot keep running."

"Kazuki, put down your sword," Hana ordered, her voice firm yet strained. She turned quickly to face her most trusted knight, who stood ready with his sword drawn, as if to shield her from the princes' encroaching presence. Kazuki hesitated, his grip tightening around the hilt, but upon meeting Hana's gaze, he slowly lowered the blade, standing stiff but silent.

Satoru's eyes narrowed, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. He took a step forward, but before he could speak, Daichi raised his hand to stop him.

"That's enough, Satoru. Let them go," Daichi said in a calm but commanding voice, his tone leaving no room for argument. The other brothers silently lined up beside him, their postures tense, but none of them moved to intervene. "If you have no other intentions coming here, might as well leave."

The words hung in the air, and Hana felt a heavy weight settle on her chest. Her body stiffened, but she refused to show weakness. With all eyes on her, she knew she had to act with dignity and strength, no matter how uneasy she felt.

Kazuki, still by her side, gave a small nod, signaling his understanding. Hana took a deep breath, glancing briefly at the princes, particularly Satoru, whose gaze lingered on her longer than the others. She couldn't decipher his thoughts, but something about the way he looked at her made her feel as if she had stepped into a world she wasn't fully prepared for.

"We're not here to cause trouble," Hana said, her voice steady but her heart racing. "We came simply to witness your festival. If it's a problem, I will leave immediately."

Satoru's gaze softened for a brief moment, but he said nothing. Instead, it was Yuji—the second youngest—who spoke up, his voice quiet yet sincere. "We know the festival means a lot to your kingdom, Princess," he said, glancing around at his brothers. "We don't want to escalate things. But we also need to understand why you've come."

Hana met Yuji's gaze, finding a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. "I came because I wanted to see something beyond the walls of Kagayaku. Something different. I didn't think it would be this complicated."

Daichi let out a small sigh, as if the situation had been anticipated but not fully welcomed. "Your presence here is... noticed," he said, his tone no longer cold but still sharp. "However, as long as you do not disrupt the peace, we will not force you to leave. But be mindful, Princess. The consequences of your actions here may be greater than you realize."

Satoru stepped back, finally speaking, though his tone was laced with something darker. "If you truly wish to see beyond the walls of your kingdom, then be prepared for what lies on the other side. Not all is as it seems, Princess Hana."

With that, the princes fell silent, leaving Hana to process their words. Kazuki, still standing by her side, didn't move, his gaze never wavering from the princes. Hana, feeling the weight of the moment, glanced back at the brothers, her thoughts swirling.

"I will keep that in mind," she replied, her voice calm but resolute. She turned to leave, Kazuki following closely behind, but as she walked away, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had stepped into something far deeper than just a festival.

Satoru's words echoed in her mind: *Not all is as it seems.*

The festival, once a simple escape, was becoming something much more complicated.